How can I do public relations in a rural area with no funds?

Question

I'm trying to do community outreach to parents who have children who have problem behaviors. I've done everything I know to do in order to reach these parents. My group is trying to start support groups and I am at a loss. The parents groups are lead by other parents and we train them for free. I have put things in the paper, I have sent information out to other agencies, I have contacted the school districts etc. I hear people saying they want this type of group and our surveys reflect that but getting them to come is just stressing me out. Any "low" cost ideas you have would be greatly appriciated.

Answer 1

In addition to Youngboy's comments:

As school starts, try to get meetings directly with each School's PAC (parent advisory committee). Use the PAC to help you promote.  

Convert the parents that you train into speakers and proponents for your program:  have them talk to others, talk to schools, etc.  

Invite the media to a training session (with the parents' permission): local media typically are looking for human interest stories and if you can get a sincere parent (or more) talking to the media, it may get you the kind of coverage you're looking for.  

One of the issues I'm sure is to get parents who are mentally and physically exhausted, working long hours inside and outside of the home, to give more of themselves in this effort:  you need to convince them it can get better for them if they can help promote and start up the support groups - sharing the burden so to speak.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

You should consider doing some fundraisers that are easy to do.

Utilize the one thing you do have. People. First you need to start generating some seed capitol. Let's keep this simple at first then you can start building from there.

Go to one of the various large discounters. Sams Costco whatever and buy some bulk candy. Not a lot because you don't want to be stuck with any AND you can always buy more.

Have your people go door to door  selling the candy. You should be able to get name brand candy bars for about 25 cents a unit. Sell them for at least 1 maybe 2 dollars.

You can also contact local businesses in the area and see if they would like to do door hangers for $250 a thousand. They have to supply the door hangers. Good candidates for this would be pizza places.

Both may be hard in a rural area but there must be some small towns around that you can do these at.

Right now you need to put everything and anything on the table. Car washes, spaghetti dinners at the church. You need to generate some money regardless of how much to start expanding into even more lucrative fund raisers like a raffle. Whatever.

If you are a non-profit money is always an issue and almost a full time job.

Good luck.